U.S. Diplomat To Press European, Balkan Allies On ‘Russia’s Aggression’
“A senior U.S. diplomat is traveling to Central Europe and the Western Balkans to shore up support against what the State Department calls ‘Russia’s aggression on the region.’ In Bratislava, Sullivan will ‘urge senior Slovak officials to use their upcoming chairpersonship of the OSCE to strengthen the organization’s response to
Israelis Seek Lasers Vs. Hamas, Hezbollah Rocket Barrages
“After Hamas fired 460 rockets in a single day last month, Israel may reinforce its vaunted Iron Dome defense with laser weapons that offer quicker reaction times, unlimited ammunition, and lower cost per shot. That’s a striking reversal 12 years after Israel largely abandoned lasers in favor of interceptor missiles
Colombia’s Gulf Clan crime gang declares holiday ceasefire
Colombia’s largest criminal syndicate has declared a ceasefire for Christmas and New Year, encouraging other organizations to follow suit as well. “We declare a unilateral ceasefire of offensive military action nationally in all of the areas where we are present, between Dec. 8, 2018 and Jan. 10, 2019. We invite
Ebola vaccine is having ‘major impact’ but worries about Congo outbreak grow
“As an Ebola outbreak in a conflict-plagued region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to spread after 4 months, there’s a glimmer of hope: An experimental Ebola vaccine appears to be helping the communities it reaches. More than 40,000 people have received the vaccine, by far the
Senior Chinese military official urges plan to attack U.S. naval vessels in S. China Sea
PLA Air Force Colonel Commandant and President of the Institute of Marine Safety and Cooperation was quoted by Chinese media urging preparation for attacks on U.S. vessels in the event that they enter Chinese “territorial waters.” “If the U.S. warships break into Chinese waters again, I suggests that two
In Somalia, Businesses Face Triple ‘Taxation’ by Militants
Competition between Al-Shabab and pro-Islamic State groups in Somalia is further stifling economic activity across the area through forced taxation. “Business are paying three taxes today, Al-Shabab taxes, Daesh taxes, and the normal government taxes,” according to the former director of the National Intelligence Agency in Somalia. “If they don’t
Israel launches counter-tunnel Lebanese border operation
“Israel on Tuesday announced that it has begun an extensive operation to neutralize Hezbollah-built tunnels, which are said to enter Israel and place targets in the north of the country at risk. The action has already been labeled operation ‘Northern Shield’ by Israeli security forces. Areas near the border have
Threat from Islamic State-Affiliated Group Reason DRC US Embassy Closed
The U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been closed for over a week due to “credible” terror threat against U.S. government facilities in the capital. The nature of the threat was previously unspecified, but a U.S. official speaking with VOA under the condition of anonymity has
Pegasus Spyware Targets Investigative Journalists in Mexico
“Colleagues of slain Javier Valdez Cárdenas, known for investigating drug cartels, were targeted just days after his death. Of six messages analyzed (though more were received), several contained links shortened with bit.ly that ultimately pointed to known exploit URLs, while others included links directly containing previously–identified NSO Group exploit domains.
Islamic extremists are now using drones in Nigeria, leader says
“Islamic extremists in Nigeria have begun using drones, the country’s president says, opening a worrying new front in the region’s nearly decade-long fight against Boko Haram and an offshoot linked to the Islamic State. President Muhammadu Buhari announced the development during a meeting on Thursday of countries that contribute troops